Sailing, Gardening, Kayaking, Traveling, Food, Farms and Film
VICTORIA CHERRIE
Leavenworth,KS
Summary
Energetic and dependable leader with demonstrated success achieving established goals and objectives in fast paced, high-pressure environments.
Excels in nurturing relationships, building networks and crafting creative, internal and external communications through award-winning storytelling.
Strong, detail-oriented collaborator committed to leading and inspiring teams to achieve shared goals.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Caregiver
Self-employeed
01.2022 - 07.2024
- Approached role with compassion and created peaceful environment through strong communication and listening skills
- Managed and scheduled appointments for four doctors, several specialists and home health care team
- Developed personal relationships with doctors and medical staff to ensure highest level of care
- Managed prescriptions, refills and administered medication
- Handled daily meal prep, wound care, tube feedings, bathing and housekeeping
- Read books, attended workshops and webinars focused on dementia care
Director of Development
After the Harvest
01.2019 - 12.2021
- Engaged in public speaking, community and networking events on behalf of organization and executive director
- Crafted first Fund Development Plan and Case for Support
- Raised funds to support $1.2 million annual budget through successful proposals, grants and fundraising campaigns
- Enhanced donor relationships with personalized communication plans and regular updates on project progress
- Identified and secured alternative revenue streams, resulting in new community partnerships, annual grant funding and other contributions
- Developed and implemented corporate recruitment, faith congregation and civic group engagement strategies
- Expanded organization's network of supporters through targeted outreach, events, and partnership development
- Developed comprehensive strategic plan to guide long-term growth and sustainability of organization's programs
- Developed and maintained SalesForce databases
Public Relations & Marketing Manager
SAVE (Service Member Agriculture Vocation Education) Farm
07.2018 - 01.2019
- Developed communications and fundraising strategies for SAVE Farm, a nonprofit inspiring transitioning veteran to become the next generation of American farmers
- Streamlined content on digital and social media platforms resulting in improved engagement, national media attention and new community partnerships
- Developed marketing materials featuring emotional stories about combat veterans becoming farmers
- Built partnership with Nature Conservancy, which contributed to major land donation
- Built donor and corporate partner databases and developed prospecting strategy for future cultivation
- Attended targeted regional events to raise awareness to SAVE Farm's mission
Director of Development & Communications
NourishKC
01.2017 - 07.2018
- Leveraged personal relationships to secure $25,000 in pro-bono work from Sullivan, Higdon & Sink to complete organization's rebranding
- Developed tag line and supporting marketing materials, social media campaigns and public events to boost awareness following rebranding
- Cultivated numerous corporate and community partnerships resulting in new supporters, including Christopher Elbow and former Mayor Sly James
- Increased individual giving among new, diverse audiences through targeted appeals and fundraising events
- Developed strategy for transforming longtime volunteers at the Kansas City Community Kitchen, NourishKC’s flagship program, into future donors
- Increased knowledge and interest among future corporate partners through annual report, networking and Lunch-n-Learn presentations
Senior Writer/Editor
Burns & McDonnell
01.2011 - 01.2017
- Specialized in internal Burns & McDonnell Foundation fundraising campaigns and community involvement initiatives
- Developed whitepapers, case studies, and thought leadership pieces that showcased organization's expertise and positioned it as an industry leader
- Managed multiple projects simultaneously while adhering to strict deadlines, ensuring timely completion of tasks
- Managed translation projects serving growing international business units across firm
- Spearheaded company's market research initiative
- Enhanced content quality by implementing thorough editing and proofreading processes
Public Relations and Marketing Consultant
Kansas International Film Festival
01.2014 - 01.2017
- Developed and executed rebranding plan for 2016 festival, including overhauling all content for website, marketing materials and social media platforms
- Developed and implemented marketing plan, social media, and public relations strategies to increase public awareness and festival attendance
- Developed story ideas; wrote and pitched press releases to news outlets nationwide
- Garnered major headlines in 2017 after securing the late Ed Asner as guest at festival
- Engaged local businesses and other community partners to support arts and film communities through sponsorships, financial and in-kind donations
- Collaborated with board, directors, actors, filmmakers, and celebrities to ensure the ultimate K.C
Public Relations and Marketing Consultant
Cultivate KC
01.2011 - 01.2017
- Collaborated with committee of communications, marketing, and PR professionals to craft strategic and successful print, digital and video ads in addition to brand and fundraising campaigns
- Coordinated audit that led to brand refresh, print and digital content overhaul and newly created staff positions
- Leveraged relationship with Burns & McDonnell resulting in major sponsorship and corporate partnership workdays
- Helped develop organization’s quarterly magazine, featuring stories about issues and conversations surrounding urban agriculture in the KC metro
- Developed story ideas; wrote and pitched press releases to news outlets nationwide resulting in stories on NPR and in the Huffington Post
Freelance Journalist
The New York Times
01.2009 - 01.2020
- Covered national/breaking news across the Southeast and in Kansas, including high-profile crimes, election issues and natural disasters
- Developed strong relationships with sources, leading to exclusive interviews and scoops.
- Conducted thorough fact-checking of all written materials, maintaining the integrity of published content.
Investigative Reporter
Newspapers
05.1994 - 01.2008
- Demonstrated strong storytelling abilities, weaving together narratives to create compelling articles that captivated readers and sparked community discussions
- Influenced policy change by shining light on critical issues through investigative reporting that informed the public and prompted government action
- Broke exclusive stories by cultivating relationships with credible sources and staying ahead of competitors
- Developed a strong network within various industries for ongoing access to essential information and expert insights into diverse fields
- Secured exclusive interviews with high-profile subjects by building trust through effective communication skills and professional conduct
- Navigated complex legal and ethical situations responsibly to protect both source confidentiality and journalistic credibility
Education
BS in Journalism and Mass Communications -
Kansas State University
Manhattan, Kansas1992
Skills
Storytelling
Networking
Community Outreach
Creative Problem-Solving
Strategic Communications
Marketing/Branding
Fundraising
Public Relations
Event Planning
Certification
Fund Development Institute | 2021
Kansas Leadership Center | 2018
Interests
Software
Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, SalesForce
Timeline
Caregiver
Self-employeed
01.2022 - 07.2024
Director of Development
After the Harvest
01.2019 - 12.2021
Public Relations & Marketing Manager
SAVE (Service Member Agriculture Vocation Education) Farm
07.2018 - 01.2019
Director of Development & Communications
NourishKC
01.2017 - 07.2018
Public Relations and Marketing Consultant
Kansas International Film Festival
01.2014 - 01.2017
Senior Writer/Editor
Burns & McDonnell
01.2011 - 01.2017
Public Relations and Marketing Consultant
Cultivate KC
01.2011 - 01.2017
Freelance Journalist
The New York Times
01.2009 - 01.2020
Investigative Reporter
Newspapers
05.1994 - 01.2008
BS in Journalism and Mass Communications -
Kansas State University
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